Monthly Archives: September 2009

Sadler filly out of danger

I spoke with John Sadler in the Del Mar paddock before Wednesday’s fifth race and he said that Dawn Before Dawn, who had to be pulled up down the backside of Monday’s Adoration Stakes at Del Mar and was vanned … Continue reading

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TOC group wants to purchase Santa Anita

Sunday was a big day for Arnold Zetcher, whose recent private purchase, Richard’s Kid, won the $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar. Now he’s hoping to celebrate another big day if a group he’s aligned with is successful in … Continue reading

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Lukas back in the racing spotlight

D. Wayne Lukas, still the all-time leading Breeders’ Cup trainer but a horseman who had fallen on hard times of late, scored his first Grade 1 victory in nearly four years Monday when a 2-year-old colt he talked the owners … Continue reading

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Update on Sadler’s filly Dawn Before Dawn

Dawn Before Dawn, who had to be pulled up down the backside of Monday’s Adoration Stakes at Del Mar and was vanned off, reportedly fractured her right hind pelvis. According to an unconfirmed report, Dawn Before Dawn was back in … Continue reading

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Pacific Classic runners’ connections weigh in a day later

Trainer Ron Ellis, whose Rail Trip was sent postward as the 5-2 favorite in Sunday’s $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar and finished third, offered no excuses Sunday morning. “It was the first time he’d been behind horses and … Continue reading

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I’m Smokin Stakes winner’s connections excited

Carla Gaines, who trains I’m Smokin Stakes winner John Scott, who rallied wide again and got up to win for the second time in two starts at Del Mar, was worried early in the race when the Bertrando colt fell … Continue reading

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Keep an eye on John Scott

The Carla Gaines-trained John Scott made it two for two in his career Monday at Del Mar, rallying from far back again to win the $100,000 I’m Smokin Stakes for 2-year-olds bred in California. The son of Bertrando broke his … Continue reading

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Another breakdown at Del Mar

The John Sadler-trained filly Dawn Before Dawn had to be pulled up down the backside by jockey Joel Rosario in today’s third race at Del Mar — the $85,000 Adoration Stakes — and was vanned off. The stewards reported it … Continue reading

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Taking a small stab at Del Mar’s pick six

There’s a $427,333 pick-six carryover at Del Mar today and I need some money. Translation: I’m going to take a stab at the pot and see what happens. FIFTH Exile — Second-timer for Richard Mandella, he ran well in his … Continue reading

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Zensational is scary good … so far

How impressive was Zensational’s summer campaign at Del Mar? Well, consider this: He swept both Grade 1 sprint stakes — the Bing Crosby and Pat O’Brien — without hardly breaking a sweat. He became only the fifth 3-year-old to win … Continue reading

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